Signification
A large human settlement.
Contexte culturel
The 'Sahar' is often personified in Nepali literature as a 'heartless' entity that swallows the innocence of villagers, yet it remains the only place for economic survival. In the valley, 'Sahar' specifically refers to the core urban areas of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, distinguished from the surrounding hills. For Nepalis living abroad, 'Sahar' often refers to the foreign cities (like New York or London) they now inhabit, contrasted with their 'Desh' (country) or 'Gaun'. Young Nepalis use 'Sahar' to talk about 'nightlife' and 'vibe,' often mixing it with English words like 'party' or 'hangout'.
The 'Sahar' vs 'Gaun' Rule
If it has a traffic light (even if it doesn't work!), it's a Sahar. If it has more cows than cars, it's a Gaun.
Spelling Variations
Don't worry if you see 'शहर' or 'सहर'. Both are understood, but 'सहर' is the modern standard.
Signification
A large human settlement.
The 'Sahar' vs 'Gaun' Rule
If it has a traffic light (even if it doesn't work!), it's a Sahar. If it has more cows than cars, it's a Gaun.
Spelling Variations
Don't worry if you see 'शहर' or 'सहर'. Both are understood, but 'सहर' is the modern standard.
Using -ma
Always remember to add '-ma' (सहरमा) when you want to say 'IN the city'.
Kathmandu is THE Sahar
In many parts of Nepal, if someone says 'Ma sahar jaandai chhu' without naming a city, they almost always mean they are going to Kathmandu.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Sahar'.
मलाई _____ को भीडभाड मन पर्दैन।
We need the possessive form '-ko' to say 'the city's crowd'.
Which word is the opposite of 'Sahar'?
सहरको उल्टो शब्द के हो?
'Gaun' means village, which is the standard opposite of 'Sahar' (city).
Complete the dialogue.
A: तपाईं कहाँ बस्नुहुन्छ? B: म काठमाडौँ _____ बस्छु।
We use '-ma' to indicate 'in' the city.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'सहर धेरै महँगो छ।' (The city is very expensive.)
This sentence is typically used when discussing the cost of living.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sahar vs. Gaun
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesमलाई _____ को भीडभाड मन पर्दैन।
We need the possessive form '-ko' to say 'the city's crowd'.
सहरको उल्टो शब्द के हो?
'Gaun' means village, which is the standard opposite of 'Sahar' (city).
A: तपाईं कहाँ बस्नुहुन्छ? B: म काठमाडौँ _____ बस्छु।
We use '-ma' to indicate 'in' the city.
Sentence: 'सहर धेरै महँगो छ।' (The city is very expensive.)
This sentence is typically used when discussing the cost of living.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from casual chats to news reports.
Sahar is the common word for city; Nagar is more formal/Sanskritized and used in official titles like 'Nagarpalika'.
Usually, 'Bazaar' or 'Sano Sahar' is better for a small town. Sahar implies a larger urban center.
You say 'Sahari jivan' (सहरी जीवन) or 'Saharko jivan' (सहरको जीवन).
Both are used. 'Sahar' (सहर) is the modern Nepali standard, while 'Shahar' (शहर) is more traditional/Hindi-influenced.
The opposite is 'Gaun' (गाउँ), which means village.
Ma sahar jaandai chhu (म सहर जाँदैछु).
Yes, 'Sahar-haru' (सहरहरू), but often the context makes it clear without the plural marker.
No, that is 'Saber' or 'Bihan'. In some related languages like Urdu, 'Sehar' means dawn, but in Nepali, 'Sahar' only means city.
Yes, Kathmandu is the primary 'Sahar' of Nepal.
Vyasta sahar (व्यस्त सहर).
It is the adjective form, meaning 'urban' or 'city-like'.
No, use 'Tole' (टोल) for a neighborhood.
It represents the struggle of migration and the contrast between modern and traditional life.
Expressions liées
सहरीकरण
builds onUrbanization
महानगर
specialized formMetropolis
बजार
similarMarket/Town
गाउँ
contrastVillage
नगरपालिका
specialized formMunicipality
बस्ती
similarSettlement
